I mean, the ACC isn't going to slit its own throat. So say, in the late 2020's, the same day as the ACC announces it has agreed to lessened penalties for schools leaving the ACC by 2036, ESPN also announces a media rights extension with the ACC through 2042. This allows ACC schools with P2 openings to bolt (I can't think there would be any more than 4), as long as they can pay the lessened penalty. The thing is, the extended media rights deal will keep any ACC members that the Big XII would like to cherry pick locked in with the ACC. Why would Louisville, VT, NC State, Pitt, UVA, NC State, Wake, Duke, GT desire to leave the quaint neighborhood they presently occupy for the same place halfway across the country with a bunch of schools they don't associate with? The thing here is what happens between the Big XII and ACC. Do they stay in equilibrium? Or do they try to kill each other? Do ESPN and Fox back one conference primarily, like what has happened with the B1G and SEC? IF, the money from ESPN for the ACC extension exceeds the Big XII's contract by enough, it puts the ACC in position to take from the Big XII. WVU, Utah and Cincinnati would be potential first choices. This of course would only happen if ESPN decides to back the ACC while Fox backs the Big XII. I think the ACC vs B12 scenario is highly unlikely. But a scenario where ESPN pays off the ACC-lite to let the power teams in the ACC head to the SEC could be a possibility. ** Edited by hokieZ71 at 2/13/2025, 1:34:35 PM ** Edited by hokieZ71 at 2/13/2025, 1:35:38 PM